Benitez: Napoli needs a 40-goal striker

The Partenopei are in the market for a world-class forward with top marksman Edinson Cavani is seemingly on the verge of joining Paris Saint-Germain.

Napoli boss Rafael Benitez has revealed that the club is in the market for a striker who can net them 40 goals a season.

With star forward Edinson Cavani - who struck 38 times in all competitions last season - seemingly set to join Paris Saint-Germain, the Partenopei coach has made a top-quality replacement his primary objective.

Real Madrid's Gonzalo Higuain and Internacional hitman Leandro Damiao have both been strongly linked with a move to the San Paolo in recent days, but Benitez was keeping his cards close to his chest during his first media grilling as Napoli boss on Sunday.

“We're looking for a striker who can score 40 goals per season," the Spaniard told reporters. "But there are not too many of them around."

Consequently, Benitez is buoyed by his side's recent capture of Jose Callejon from Real Madrid, as he believes the winger is capable of getting his name on the score sheet with great regularity.

"We have a number of players who can grab goals for us and we want to improve on last season’s figures," the former Liverpool manager explained.

"We’re not interested in players whose reputations go before them. Callejon for example, can score between 10 to 20 goals per season."

Benitez has arrived at the San Paolo after a short but successful stint at Chelsea, during which he helped the club win the Europa League.